Welcome to Historic Hardware 101: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners! Chapter 1: Understanding the Importance Historic hardware is more than just functional elements; it's a journey into the past. Discover the significance of preserving historical hardware in architectural design and restoration projects. Chapter 2: Styles Through the Ages Delve into the diverse historical styles, from Victorian extravagance to Colonial simplicity. Understand the nuances in design that define each era and how they can be incorporated into modern settings. Chapter 3: Identifying Authenticity Learn the art of dis ..read more

In the ever-evolving landscape of design and architecture, there's a timeless allure to historic hardware that transcends trends. These meticulously crafted pieces, each telling a story of craftsmanship and artistry, have an enduring charm that can transform any space into a portal to the past. https://www.charlestonhardware.com/our-patterns The Legacy of Craftsmanship Historic hardware stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of bygone eras. Whether it's intricately designed doorknobs, ornate hinges, or beautifully embellished keyhole covers, each piece is a work of art. Craftsmen of the pa ..read more

Pocket doors are a type of sliding door that slides into a wall cavity, which allows them to save space in a room. Because of their unique design, pocket doors require specific hardware, including handles, that are different from those used on traditional swinging doors. One reason why pocket door handles may be harder to find is that they are not as commonly used as traditional door handles. As a result, many hardware stores may not carry a wide selection of pocket door handles. Another reason is that pocket door handles often have specific size requirements to fit into the door cavity, whic ..read more

Consider the glass doorknob. It has a clear surface that catches and reflects light. It adorns interior and exterior doors. It is both decorative and functional, and among the first original hardware designs recorded in the United States. Two design patents co-filed by Enoch and George Washington Robinson in 1837, inspired the product referred to colloquially as “Boston Glass Knobs.” Enoch Robinson was a Bostonian who worked at The New England Glass Company in East Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the early 19th century. He invented a bench press; a stupendous innovation that created a bridge betw ..read more

If you have the original antique hardware, consider having it restored rather than replaced.  There are several benefits that come antique hardware restoration. The original set maintains the authenticity of your antique home. Most hardware restoration can be completed at a fraction of the cost of replacing with new cheaper hardware from big box stores. Labor to remove and reinstall for hardware restoration is a much less than the labor of removing the old hardware, filling in holes, patching, and re-painting and then installing the new hardware. It is difficult to find new hardware tha ..read more

All of our hardware patterns hold a rich history beyond the surface of their detailed designs. Most of these patterns have been replicated from century old casting techniques, creating an exact reproduction of their original. Our rice pattern was originally produced by Yale and Towne of Stamford Connecticut around 1885. Charleston Hardware Co. collected the original antique hardware and remade the moulds. Casting is done in the original antique bronze using the same techniques used over 125 years ago. With time, the bronze will acquire a statuary patina. Noteworthy is the gorgeous detailing o ..read more

Gina Centoni and the team at Centoni Restoration & Development shared this wonderful restoration project with us in the Haight District of San Francisco. With intricate details and their exquisite expertise, they were able to restore this 1890 Victorian to it's original glory... and more! This spectacular home was built in 1890 for Joseph Budde, an inventor, patten holder, and major manufacturer of the flush toilet. Through its more than 130-year life, this home evolved with the many incarnations of the Haight District. The most significant was the street modification that made way for th ..read more

Working on historic homes and discovering their architectural and period design secrets is one of the most exciting things we do, and really, you never know what you might uncover when renovating an historic property. We often work in conjunction with the Historic Charleston Foundation to reproduce antique hardware from some of Charleston's finest homes. We recently reproduced a plantation shutter knob for the Nathaniel Russell House, one of their museum houses. This house, completed in 1808 at a cost of $80,000 by wealthy Charleston shipping merchant Nathaniel Russell, is one on the finest s ..read more

This summer, we had the honor to partner with Interior Design & Renovation consultant & Blogger Leslie Davis for The Better Home's & Garden: One Room Challenge. With her traditional design taste and pristine attention to detail, Leslie created a gorgeous traditional master bedroom decorated with moody colors and golden brass accents. Hepplewhite furniture dates back to about 1780-1810. The design is often associated with the prestigous neoclassical style and falls within the federal period in the United States. The Hepplewhite furniture style tends to be more ornate and was especi ..read more

Pocket Doors are a great design element to free up some extra space in your home and add a touch of elegance in large formal rooms. If you're considering making some changes with your home, installing a few pocket doors would definitely be a decision worth considering. Free Up Space Don't get us wrong, we love our regularly hinged doors most of the time, but they do have one downside, wasted space. Ideal for smaller bathrooms, offices or laundry rooms; pocket doors will help in tight spaces and corners, allowing for more elbow room here and there. Great For Entertaining Pocket doors are great ..read more